Tamron 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 Overview

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Nikon is an expansive telephoto-zoom lens designed for both full-frame and APS-C-sized image sensors. Its 4x zoom design covers standard telephoto to super telephoto perspectives, making it ideally suited to working with a wide variety of subject matter. Benefitting this range is VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization, which helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake to enable the use of longer shutter speeds or smaller apertures when hand-holding in low-light conditions. A USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) autofocus motor provides quick and precise focusing performance, with high torque, low response times, and quiet operation to benefit both still and video applications. Additionally, a full-time manual focus mechanism enables manual fine-tuning of focus at any point, even when the AF system is engaged.

The optical design integrates three low dispersion (LD) elements within its construction to minimize optical aberrations throughout the zoom range, particularly at the longer focal length positions. Individual elements also feature an eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular Dependency) coating, as well as a conventional BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating, in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting to produce more contrast-rich and color-neutral imagery.

Expansive telephoto-zoom lens is well-suited to nature, wildlife, and sports photography and can be used on both full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras.

Three low dispersion elements are integrated into the front group of the lens construction (two in the first group, one in the third) to effectively compensate for on-axis optical aberrations throughout the zoom range, notably with longer focal length positions.

eBAND and BBAR coatings have been applied to lens elements to minimize lens flare and ghosting in order to maintain high contrast, clarity and color fidelity.

Tamron 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 Reviews

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Wales from
Tamron has raised the bar.I'm a Nikon Fan Boy (since '74) and have never seriously considered 3rd party lenses. But I couldn't ignore the online buzz about this Tamron, so I ordered one (fully expecting to return it). My D800 had to wait 4 months, but when this 4.3 pound beauty clicked into place... WOW! AF is fast & accurate and VR (VC) is very effective. The small amount of CA, and softness at 600mm are easily dealt with in post (f/8 and 500mm clean up most of this as well). The 150-600 f/5.6-6.3 Di VC USD lens is a worthy companion to my Nikon glass and it will not be going back to B&H. Tamron has raised the bar with this lens and at a very attractive price point.

Date published: 2014-07-17

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Ori from
Good lens, good value, requires practiceThe range and price make this lens a very good value, and I would recommend this lens. f/5 at 150mm and f/6.3 at 600mm are partially why the price is so affordable. Unfortunately, unless you have a lot of experience, focusing is not easy. The lens focuses rather quickly if there is enough light and contrast in the scene, but it takes about 1 second for the VC (Vibration Compensation) to provide a stable image according to the manual. VC is recommended when handholding the camera/lens combination, and should be off when on a tripod. The lens is big and heavy, and arrives without a case, but it provides a range and price never before available.

Date published: 2014-07-20

Rated 5 out of
5 by
TR Photography from
Super Optic Performance - Must Have!!!So I've had this for over a year now. Trying to look for any flaws in this lens. Instead I find more ways to get the best performance out of it. Setting my D4s to Spot focus mode makes this lens really perform in focus accuracy! No AF fine tuning needed from my Nikon. I've used this lens in snowy conditions and light rain. Still no sign of moisture or even internal dust/dirt. It's still light enough for hand hold shooting. I love this lens and I love Tamron for really bringing their quality control to rival the big name players. Check out my pics!! All at 600mm f/6.3 wide open!!

Date published: 2016-04-22

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Douglas E. from
You can feel the quality.What a great lens. Really well put together. I love the smoothness and placement of the focus ring. Autofocus is fast and quiet although you sometimes have to get it close with the manual ring (especially at max zoom) so it can pick up the subject. I have a D3200 and sometimes it doesn't recognize the lens, I think there is a slight misalignment of the contacts, but a slight twist usually fixes it. I wish it was a little lighter. I can shot hand held with no problem, but carrying it for more than a half hour is a drag. I love the twist on lens hood, no more snap on clamps always popping off. Haven't had a chance yet to try it with my 1.4 converter.

Date published: 2014-07-16

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Graeme from
Great lens Quality for the priceI have been a Pro Photographer for 40 years and this Tamron lens used correctly is very sharp, even at 600.I have been impressed with the performance on my Nikon D810, D4s, and the D3200 with non built in motor relying on the tamron lens motor assist. I shot with high and low ISO and was very satisfied with the response, especially using With the D3200. Many photographers underestimate the weight of big lenses so suggest tripod use but the VR,and hand held worked a charm for me, although will use tripod for wildlife. A step up from the Sigma 150-600mm which I have also used extensively. Perfect for sports and birding.

Date published: 2014-11-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
SteveG from
Tamron 600mm for AstrophotographyStarted a new hobby with astrophotography last year. I chose the path of mostly camera but some scope work as well. Beyond wide-angle shots, I also wanted a decent quality zoom and went with Tamron. This lens has proven exceptional so far and is used with a motorized star tracker to compensate for movement. Once I actually read the instructions and turned off Vibration Control, it has done well on my tripod mount. Probably not what most folks will use this for but I am quickly becoming a fan of high quality DSLR pictures I am taking with it. I strictly use the lens manually which is typical for astrophotography sessions.

Date published: 2018-02-27

Rated 5 out of
5 by
JDA-Wildlife from
Excellent LensI'm super happy to have purchased this lens, I'ts fantastic together with my D7100. I was also looking at the Nikon 200-500mm lens but I'm glad I decided to purchase the Tamron. I get 50mm more wide angle & 100mm more reach for several hundred less dollars. After looking at several hundreds of images taken with the Nikon my images with the Tamron are just as sharp if not even sharper. Focus speed is super fast and the VC works wonderfully when handheld. The lens is obviously a little heavy but not a major problem. I would recommend a BlackRapid sling and if out for long periods a good monopod.

Date published: 2016-05-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
William M. from
Fantastic Lens at an Affordable PriceLove shooting wildlife and bought this lens for that purpose. Was a little leary at first, but completely satisfied after putting it to use. This lens gets you close to the action, can be handheld, but to get the best shots, I would definitely recommend a tripod. It is a little heavy, but no more than expected for a 600mm lens. I am a small person and have very little trouble toting this lens. The lens reacts extremely fast and smooth during auto-focus and the image quality is great when all related elements align in the photographer's favor. I am very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone with a low budget.